6 TIPS TO PREVENT MOLD IN YOUR HOME

You’ve likely spent a lot of time inside to escape the heat, keeping windows and doors closed tight while the AC is on. Keeping fresh air out can accumulate unwanted toxins that contribute to your indoor air quality, so here are some tips from Michael Rubino of The Home Cleanse to tackle inside to keep that air clean!

Here are SIX things you can begin to tackle this week:

1. Stay on Top of Humidity 

Indoor humidity is crucial for home health, especially when moisture-rich air is present outdoors (like in the summertime). Too high humidity can cause microbial growth, poor indoor air quality, and structural issues in the building. Some mold can grow at a relative humidity level of 60%. 

That’s why your goal will be to maintain indoor humidity between 35-50%.

2. Use Air Purifiers 

When summertime is in full swing, many more particles, like pollen and mold spores, are in the outdoor air. These blow inside or get brought in on shoes, clothing, and pet fur. This can lower indoor air quality when combined with closed windows and doors. 

Air purifiers can help reduce the amount of particles in your indoor air so that they don’t get into your body.

3. Don’t Mix AC and Open Windows

When warm outdoor air meets chilly indoor air, condensation can form inside the home. If condensation persists for 24-48 hours, microbial growth can develop. Never keep windows or doors open while the AC is running to avoid this. 

If you want to open those windows and doors, turn the AC off and use fans instead to help circulate air.

4. Avoid Neglecting Cleaning 

We can’t exactly put a bubble around our homes, so particles like mold spores, mycotoxins, bacteria, and allergens will inevitably blow inside. It’s up to us to actively work to keep particle levels low in our homes. Cleaning regularly helps keep these levels low and promotes healthier indoor air quality during summer when those windows and doors stay closed.

With that in mind, set up a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal cleaning schedule to keep your home in great shape. Also, use the right cleaning products! Your arsenal should include botanical cleaning products, a HEPA vacuum cleaner, and microfiber materials.

5. Don’t Forget the Mattress 

We tend to sweat more when it’s hot, even in our sleep. This can turn your mattress into a Petri dish of microbial growth, leading to breathing in all sorts of particles every time you sleep. You definitely want to avoid this. 

Cleaning the mattress and bedding frequently will help keep the material dry and reduce the number of particles present, including dust mites. 

6. Keep Those Appliances In Order 

With humidity high, people coming and going, trying to keep things like dishes clean, and keeping up with washing outdoor activity clothing, home appliances are typically in high demand during summer. The last thing you want is to drink a cup full of bacteria-filled water or wear clothes covered in moldy particles.

Creating a cleaning list for appliances is a great way to ensure they’re supporting your health and not bogged down with contaminants. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning methods, products, and frequency suggestions.

Source: Michael Rubino, www.homecleanse.com